IKEA in Budapest

Americans are learning what Europeans have known for over sixty years--IKEA is a fun place to shop. Founded in 1943, the name comes from the initials of the founder plus the initials of the farm and village where he grew up. Ingvar Kamprad was only 17 when he registered the IKEA name!

Americans call it "I-key-ah," but Hungarians say "E-kay-ah." But the store is pretty much the same in every location, no matter what you call it.

There is an IKEA in Budaörs (a suburb of Budapest) accessible by car but difficult to reach on public transportation. But I think the IKEA in the city at the end of the Red Metro line (Örs vezér tere) is the nicest in the area. If you are living in Budapest, it offers the largest showroom of practical, stylish furnishings available in the city.

Europeans typically live in smaller homes or apartments than Americans, and IKEA furnishings maximize small spaces with their simple Scandinavian designs. The prices are reasonable, and they have an excellent return policey in a city where many stores refuse returns even when merchandise is defective.

IKEA has great lamps and lighting, art and frames, garden supplies, space-saver equipment, cloth by the yard and linens, dishes and cooking supplies, area rugs and carpets, and mattresses. Their furniture runs the gamut from inexpensive particle board to sturdy all-wood pieces. Larger pieces of furniture come with some assembly required and are designed for easy assembly by consumers. My husband was amazed how well the two wooden dressers we bought fit together with a few common tools. And once assembled, the drawers opened and closed smoothly. We also bought a love seat for our flat that had a removable, washable cover.

My husband and I always combined meal time with our shopping trips to IKEA because their cafeteria is clean with a pleasant eating area (very child friendly). For about $6 you can eat a plate of Swedish meatballs and mashed potatoes accompanied by gravy and ligonberry jam. They also have a variety of other main dishes (chicken, salmon, and sometimes Hungarian specialties) plus salads, snacks, and some great desserts. Drinks used to come with refills, but last time we were there they were no longer included. If you find that has changed, let me know. You can also get a decent cappuccino to accompany your dessert. Their children's meals are incredibly cheap (usually soup and some type of meat) and they will let adults order them as well.